UPDATE: Fire Levels Three Beachfront Structures

Video by Robert Newkirk.
SEA ISLE CITY – Beachfront dwellings, including a single-family home and two, three-story duplexes in the 7800 block of Pleasure Avenue were destroyed April 18 in a multi-alarm fire that was reported about 4:35 p.m. No injuries were reported.
A first responder on the scene reported to Sea Isle City police dispatch that the dwellings were “fully involved.” Thick black smoke rolled skyward as flames consumed the summer homes, which reportedly were collectively assessed at over $7 million.
Tanker trucks and aerial trucks were summoned from other Cape May County fire departments, all of which operate under mutual aid agreements.
By the time the flames were extinguished little remained of the structures. For safety, one wall that survived the fire was leveled by heavy equipment.
City police, Cape May County Fire Marshal and Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office agents sifted through the ashes throughout the weekend in an attempt to find clues as to the origin. They were using images supplied by the public from numerous cell phone and other cameras in their investigation.
The extreme heat caused damage to some surrounding structures, including melted vinyl siding.
The conflagration was a weekend attraction for many curious who had seen the aerial views on Philadelphia TV stations, and who wanted to see it for themselves.
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PREVIOUS COVERAGE:
SEA ISLE CITY – Fire companies from throughout Cape May County joined forces to battle a fire that engulfed three homes in the 7800 block Pleasure Avenue. The fire was reported about 4:35 p.m. April 18.
A column of heavy black smoke could be seen from as far as Rio Grande.
The local fire company was being assisted by Ocean View, Avalon, Court House firefighters. Various fire companies were being asked to provide cover assignments for those stations that went to the fire.
The Cape May County Fire Marshal was on scene with personnel from his office to determine the cause of the blaze.
No other information was available.